5 Surprises That Can Happen During Childbirth.

Pregnant women expect to enter the delivery room and experience the childbirth they have prepared for based on the birth plan they discussed with their doctor during prenatal visits. However, sometimes surprises occur during childbirth. I will mention some of them in this article based on my experience as a midwife.

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Karine Chahda
Published on:Nov 21st 2023 |Updated on:Mar 10th 2024
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Diverse Birth Experiences

All childbirths are unique, even for the same woman. The first birth is often the longest, the second tends to be quicker, and the third may be slower. Each delivery presents its surprises.

Surprises That Can Happen During Childbirth

Unexpected Developments During Pregnancy

Even if the pregnancy is normal with no complications, it can suddenly become high-risk. Complications such as high blood pressure and Pre-eclampsia may arise, sometimes necessitating premature induction if the condition cannot be controlled. Additionally, gestational diabetes may occur, usually detected through a particular text. Gestational Diabetes can lead to complications that require premature delivery and may result in excessive newborn weight gain, making vaginal delivery challenging and needing a cesarean section.

False Labor Signs

Pregnant women may sometimes mistakenly believe that their amniotic fluid has broken and go to the hospital, thinking this is a labor sign, only for an examination to reveal that the amniotic fluid hasn't leaked and labor hasn't started. Often, the fluid is urine leakage due to pregnancy-related urinary incontinence caused by abdominal pressure on the bladder and loosening of the pelvic floor and bladder muscles. By distinguishing its smell and color, it is best to confirm that the fluid is indeed amniotic. If the fluid is green, brown, or has any redness, it is amniotic fluid. If it is colorless or yellow, it may be urine.

Natural Birth Instead of C-Section

Often, pregnant women come to the delivery room prepared for a scheduled c-section because the baby's head is not downwards towards the birth canal. To our surprise, after examination, it's discovered that the fetus is in a breech position. In such cases, we stimulate vaginal delivery. However, I would like to emphasize that the doctor makes this decision and the expecting mother based on her health condition, whether her previous births were cesarean, and according to the hospital's medical protocol.

What the Ultrasound May Not Reveal

In the case of a twin pregnancy, the expectant mother may know that she is carrying twins and anticipates the birth of two babies, only to be surprised by a third fetus not visible during the ultrasound. The mother may also expect a boy and deliver a baby girl.

Surprises During Pushing

One of the surprises that mothers often anticipate but are common and natural is the passage of stool during attempts to push the fetus. A rectal enema is administered to empty the bowels before childbirth, but it does not guarantee the prevention of this issue. However, the medical team expects such surprises, and there is no need to feel embarrassed.

In Summary

Surprises may occur no matter how prepared and informed you are about childbirth and what happens during it. However, educating yourself, enrolling in childbirth preparation courses, and asking the doctor or midwife anything that comes to mind to be better prepared for the childbirth experience is essential.

 

Check out Intercourse postpartum: all you need to know

 

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Karine ChahdaMidwife Nurse

A new mom and Licenced Midwife, she holds a degree from the Lebanese University. Karine worked in the NICU unit at St. George University Hospital in Beirut. Then, she worked as a Midwife in the same hospital for five years. She joined the maternity ward at Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Karine has a great passion for her role as a Midwife; she believes it is a blessing from God to witness the miracle of life born from another life. She thinks nothing is more beautiful than witnessing this miracle daily through her work. Karine believes that each of us has a specific role in life. She sees her role not as a job but as a vocation where she can assist others, and she is grateful for this blessing.

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